Rediscovering Home: My Stay at Regency Park Hotel, Montevideo

If this were my first time in Uruguay, this would be the perfect place to start my journey. Just 15 minutes from Carrasco Airport, Regency Park Hotel offers a taste of some of our country’s best qualities: unpretentious luxury, a deep connection with nature, and a rhythm of life that flows a little slower.

Room with a lake view

The suite

Surrounded by trees, horses, and gentle green landscapes, the property feels like a private hideaway. I arrived on a Friday night, and the first thing I noticed was the stillness—the sound of the wind moving through the trees. Luckily, I’d already had dinner, because the restaurant is reservation-only—something to keep in mind if you’re arriving late. Meals here are freshly prepared with care and dedication.

Mornings begin with a continental breakfast you can enjoy by the garden or indoors. Don’t miss the pastries and the Uruguayan dulce de leche. An Argentine might disagree, but in my opinion, it’s the best. After breakfast, take a slow walk around the lake and let the calm set in.

Lobby and lounge

Breakfast

You can unwind at the spa, swim in the indoor or outdoor pools, or simply sit on the terrace with a mate—the country’s most traditional drink. If you’re lucky, a friendly local might invite you to share one; it’s a small ritual that instantly makes you feel part of Uruguay’s warm, easy rhythm. The gym is open 24 hours and well equipped for strength training. The hotel also provides complimentary bikes, perfect for exploring Jacksonville. I chose to walk instead—flowers in bloom, horses resting peacefully, and even a small vineyard along the way. Bring water and a hat; I didn’t see any shops nearby, but wandering the road with no clear destination felt magical.

Indoor pool and spa

Outdoor pool and lake

The staff are genuine and kind, always ready with a smile or a recommendation. They even offered to arrange horseback riding lessons for us—a truly authentic experience that’s worth trying when in Uruguay. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or simply pausing, this is the kind of place that reminds you that slowing down—even for a weekend—can be the greatest luxury of all.

Nature in bloom

The chapel

Getting there and to the city center: Taxis and private transfers are easily available from Carrasco Airport or can be arranged through the hotel reception. The property is about 15 minutes from Carrasco Airport and 30 minutes from the Carrasco neighborhood.

Local tip: If you’d like to explore nearby, visit the Jacksonville Chapel or enjoy a glass of wine at the local vineyard, both just a few minutes away. Don’t miss the Uruguayan dulce de leche at breakfast—and if you’re heading into Carrasco, there are several restaurants worth visiting. Try the premium Uruguayan beef at Garcia, a traditional Uruguayan parrilla. Stop by Bar Arocena and order a chivito, the country’s classic beef sandwich, followed by panqueques with dulce de leche (you can never have too much dulce de leche when in Uruguay). For a premium experience, have afternoon tea at the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco Hotel, where sweet delights are served in one of the most sophisticated settings in Montevideo.

Best rooms: On weekdays, ask for a room facing the lake or garden for extra peace and morning light. On weekends, request a quiet room on an upper floor—especially if there’s a wedding or private event taking place at the hotel. During my stay, there was a quinceañera celebration on Saturday night that I hadn’t been aware of. The staff kindly offered me another room on an upper floor so I could rest—a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflects Uruguayan hospitality.

Perfect for: Couples seeking relaxation, wellness travelers, and business visitors working nearby in Zonamerica who want to unwind at the end of the day.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Uruguay page.